Mission/Services

ECIRMAC (also known as the Refugee Center) exists to provide services essential to refugee and immigrant resettlement in East-Central Illinois and to aid in the exchange and preservation of their respective cultures. As an organization, we believe in the inherent worth of all human beings, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, or cultural heritage. We similarly believe that it is possible and desirable for all human beings to live peacefully together, and to work together to create a more loving and compassionate world in which everyone's basic human needs and rights can be secured. Among our many activities are:

* Translation of documents and interpretation in community settings* Advocacy for client needs* Liaison in clients' places of employment, schools, hospitals, courts, with landlords, etc. * Aid in completing paperwork for citizenship, asylum, residency, family reunification, etc.* Assistance in preparing for citizenship exams* ESL tutoring* Providing information regarding accessing government benefits for which an individual is eligible* Case management and counseling* Cultural preservation* Referrals to other community resources* Tutoring and intercultural socialization for school aged children* Promoting unity between immigrants and refugees and the broader CU area * Community education about immigrant and refugee issues in Champaign County* Advocating for the general welfare of immigrant and refugee communities in Champaign County* And many more!